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Kitchen Prep Assistant Jobs in Spring Valley, CA

El Pollo Loco

EL Cook/Prep

San Diego, CA · On-site

$15 - $18.75/hr

Prep Cook Reports to : Shift Leader / Assistant Manager / General Manager Job Overview The Prep ... * Assist with basic cooking or grill support tasks as assigned. Kitchen Support & Operations

Damor Chai SDSU

Prep Cook

San Diego, CA

$14.25 - $17.75/hr

... team and assist with new store openings over the summer! * Competitive Pay : Hourly rate with ... Work closely with the kitchen team to ensure everything runs seamlessly and efficiently. * Hygiene ...

The Halal Shack SDSU

Prep Cook

San Diego, CA

$19 - $23/hr

... team and assist with new store openings over the summer! * Competitive Pay : Hourly rate with ... Work closely with the kitchen team to ensure everything runs seamlessly and efficiently. * Hygiene ...

Damor Chai SDSU

Prep Cook

San Diego, CA

$19 - $23/hr

... team and assist with new store openings over the summer! * Competitive Pay : Hourly rate with ... Work closely with the kitchen team to ensure everything runs seamlessly and efficiently. * Hygiene ...

SAN IDLI

Prep Cook Wanted!!

San Diego, CA

$14 - $16/hr

Follow the prep list as directed by Kitchen Staff. Prepare cooking ingredients by washing and chopping all fresh produce, etc. Assist Main Cook with prepping the food to serve Ensure all food and ...

SAN IDLI

Prep Cook Wanted!!

San Diego, CA

$14 - $16/hr

Follow the prep list as directed by Kitchen Staff. Prepare cooking ingredients by washing and chopping all fresh produce, etc. Assist Main Cook with prepping the food to serve Ensure all food and ...

Mother's Market & Kitchen, Inc.

Hot/Cold Bar Prep

Del Mar, CA · On-site

$16.90 - $22/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

As a Hot/Cold Bar Prep , you'll be a key part of our kitchen team-ensuring delicious, fresh meals ... Test temperatures, rotate leftovers properly, and store all food according to guidelines • Assist ...

Tower23 Hotel

Prep Cook

San Diego, CA · On-site

$22/hr

Maintain a clean, organized, and food-safe prep area * Assist line cooks and chefs as needed to ... Previous prep or kitchen experience preferred * A passion for food and working with high-quality ...

Tower23 Hotel

Prep Cook

San Diego, CA

$22/hr

Maintain a clean, organized, and food-safe prep area * Assist line cooks and chefs as needed to ... Previous prep or kitchen experience preferred * A passion for food and working with high-quality ...

TKS Restaurants

Prep Cook

San Diego, CA · On-site

$19/hr

... items. Assist other back of the house employees in various kitchen tasks including ensuring ... prep cook is preferred but not required. Knowledge of health and safety rules in a kitchen.

Belmont Park

Draft Prep Cook

San Diego, CA · On-site

$15.25 - $19.25/hr

Your Role in the Kitchen As a Prep Cook at Draft, you play a foundational role in delivering ... Prepare simple dressings, vinaigrettes, and foundational sauces as directed * Assist with ...

Vets Hired

Marlin Bar Prep Cook

San Diego, CA

$15.25 - $19/hr

Job Summary The Prep Cook is responsible for preparing ingredients, maintaining food quality ... Prepare ingredients and food items according to recipes and kitchen standards. * Assist with ...

Belmont Park

Cannonball Prep Cook

San Diego, CA · On-site

$15.25 - $19.25/hr

Your Role in the Kitchen As a Prep Cook at Cannonball, you play a foundational role in delivering ... Prepare simple dressings, vinaigrettes, and foundational sauces as directed * Assist with ...

Benihana - San Diego

Prep Cook

San Diego, CA

$15.25 - $19.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Execute all menu items with proper technique, timing, and attention to detail * Assist with daily prep tasks, ingredient stocking, and kitchen setup * Ensure all storage and production areas are ...

Benihana

Prep Cook

San Diego, CA · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Execute all menu items with proper technique, timing, and attention to detail * Assist with daily prep tasks, ingredient stocking, and kitchen setup * Ensure all storage and production areas are ...

Benihana - San Diego

Prep Cook

San Diego, CA · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Execute all menu items with proper technique, timing, and attention to detail * Assist with daily prep tasks, ingredient stocking, and kitchen setup * Ensure all storage and production areas are ...

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All JobsKitchen Prep JobsKitchen Prep Assistant JobsKitchen Prep Assistant Jobs in Spring Valley, CA

Kitchen Prep Assistant information

See Spring Valley, CA salary details

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How much do kitchen prep assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for kitchen prep assistant in Spring Valley, CA is $15.76, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.75 and $16.97 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a kitchen prep assistant?

To thrive as a Kitchen Prep Assistant, you need basic food preparation skills, knowledge of kitchen hygiene, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, proper knife handling, and food safety certifications (such as ServSafe) are typically required. Attention to detail, teamwork, and the ability to work efficiently under pressure are important soft skills in this role. These skills ensure food is prepared safely and consistently, supporting the overall efficiency and quality of the kitchen operation.

What is the difference between Kitchen Prep Assistant vs Line Cook?

AspectKitchen Prep AssistantLine Cook
ResponsibilitiesAssists with basic food prep, ingredient organization, and cleaningPrepares and cooks menu items during service
CredentialsMinimal certifications, food safety knowledge preferredFood handler permits, culinary training often required
Work EnvironmentKitchen support roles, less fast-pacedHigh-pressure, fast-paced during service
Industry UsageCommon entry-level support role in restaurantsCore cooking position in kitchens

While both roles work in restaurant kitchens, the Kitchen Prep Assistant focuses on supporting food prep and organization, whereas the Line Cook actively prepares dishes during service. The roles differ mainly in responsibility level and pace, with the Prep Assistant serving as a foundational support role.

What are some common challenges faced by kitchen prep assistants, and how can they be managed?

Kitchen Prep Assistants often work in fast-paced environments where time management and multitasking are essential. One common challenge is maintaining efficiency while ensuring food safety and cleanliness standards. To manage these pressures, it's important to stay organized, communicate effectively with chefs and other kitchen staff, and consistently follow proper food handling procedures. Adapting to varying workloads and being proactive about preparing ingredients can also help minimize stress during peak hours.

What is a kitchen prep assistant?

Kitchen Prep Assistants are entry-level professionals who support chefs and cooks by preparing ingredients and maintaining a clean and organized kitchen environment. Their duties typically include washing and chopping vegetables, measuring ingredients, portioning food, and ensuring that cooking stations are stocked and ready for service. They also help with basic cooking tasks and are responsible for keeping work areas sanitary to comply with food safety standards. This role is essential for the smooth operation of a restaurant or food service kitchen.

What cities near Spring Valley, CA are hiring for Kitchen Prep Assistant jobs?

Cities near Spring Valley, CA with the most Kitchen Prep Assistant job openings:

Kitchen Prep Assistant jobs near you

EL Cook/Prep

El Pollo Loco

San Diego, CA • On-site

$15 - $18.75/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 22 days ago

Job description

Position: Prep Cook
Reports to: Shift Leader / Assistant Manager / General Manager
Job Overview
The Prep Cook is responsible for preparing ingredients and food items according to El Pollo Loco's recipes, prep procedures, and food safety standards. This role supports kitchen efficiency and consistency, ensuring ingredients are ready for grilling and service.
Key Responsibilities
Food Preparation
  • Prepare ingredients including marinating chicken, chopping produce, portioning proteins, and preparing salsas according to brand standards.
  • Follow approved recipes, prep lists, and portion controls.
  • Label, date, store, and rotate food items according to FIFO guidelines.
  • Assist with basic cooking or grill support tasks as assigned.

Kitchen Support & Operations
  • Maintain clean and organized prep areas, coolers, and storage spaces.
  • Clean and sanitize prep tools, utensils, and equipment.
  • Monitor prep levels and communicate shortages or quality concerns to management.
  • Support kitchen operations during high-volume periods.

Food Safety & Compliance
  • Follow all food safety, sanitation, and health department regulations.
  • Properly handle raw and cooked products to prevent cross-contamination.
  • Comply with company safety policies and cleanliness standards.

Teamwork & Professionalism
  • Work collaboratively with cooks and grill staff.
  • Follow direction from managers and shift leaders.
  • Demonstrate dependability, teamwork, and professionalism.

Physical Requirements & Work Environment
Physical Activity
  • Standing, walking, bending, stooping, twisting, reaching, and grasping.
  • Cutting, marinating, mixing, and portioning food items.
  • Lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling objects.
  • Communicating with restaurant team members and management.
  • Use of knives, prep equipment, and kitchen tools, as permitted by applicable state age requirements.

Physical Requirements
  • Standing and walking for extended periods during the work shift.
  • Lifting and carrying ranges:
  • 0-10 lbs: Frequent
  • 11-25 lbs: Frequent
  • 26-50 lbs: Occasional with assistance
  • 51-75 lbs: Seldom; team-lift only
  • Pushing and pulling approximately 10-40 lbs of force occasionally.
  • Frequent repetitive hand and wrist movements.

Work Environment
  • Work performed primarily in a restaurant kitchen environment.
  • Exposure to open-flame grills, heat, cold storage areas, noise, wet or slippery surfaces, and cleaning chemicals.
  • Fast-paced environment with variable schedules, including mornings, nights, weekends, and holidays.

Cognitive Demands (ADA/FEHA-Compliant)
  • Ability to follow prep procedures and recipes accurately.
  • Ability to maintain focus and food safety standards.
  • Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment.
  • Ability to maintain regular and predictable attendance.

Requirements
  • Previous food prep or kitchen experience preferred but not required.
  • Knowledge of food safety and sanitation practices preferred.
  • Ability to work flexible schedules, including mornings, nights, weekends, and holidays.

This document describes the job and its traditional physical, cognitive, and environmental demands. It does not describe the abilities of any individual employee. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

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